1. DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE Facts and how to prevent!

2. FACTS! Approximately 10% of 12 year olds say they used alcohol at least once. By age 15, approximately 50% have had at least one drink. In 2013 more high school seniors regularly smoked marijuana (22.7%) than cigarettes (16.3%).

3. DEATHS Each year approximately 5,000 people underage of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. This includes about 1900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1600 as a result of homicide, and 300 from suicide (Under the effect of drugs or alcohol.) Drug or alcohol abuse kills around 200,000 people yearly.

4. HOW TO PREVENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE Avoid negative peer pressure: Pay attention to who you hang out with. Even though everyone is doing it doesn't mean you have to. Get educated: See the facts and statistics about the consequences of the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Also, what leads them to do so.

5. Make connections with adults and parents: The opportunity to benefit from someone else's life experience can help put things into perspective. Do not be afraid to say "no": Don't let someone else make your own decisions. You have the right to say no and eventually walk away.